Multiple-use, stimulation-accommodating connector

ABSTRACT

A multiple-use connection system includes an elongate body having an axial tail-receiving passage and having lengthwise sides, and at least two essentially parallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacles transverse to the tail-receiving passage, the pin receptacles of one of the parallel rows being exposed along one of the lengthwise sides. A patchbay for selectively connecting pairs of connector pins with ones of a plurality of tail conductors includes an insulating body having an axial passageway adapted for receiving a tail and having pairs of aligned pin receptacles, the pairs of pin receptacles being axially spaced from one another, one pin receptacle of each of the pairs of pin receptacles having an exposed portion adapted for being directly probed, where selective placement of pairs of aligned pins into the insulating body effects electrical connection of a pair of pins to a selected one of the tail conductors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to devices for providing electricalconnection between conductors and, more particularly, to connectorsfacilitating probing or stimulating chosen conductors being connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accurate sensing of intracranial electrical activity, such as fordetermining epileptogenic foci or otherwise, may require use of aplurality of brain contacts. Epileptogenic mapping is one example of theuse of electrical devices with tissue-engagement contacts. Examples oftwo kinds of intracranial electrical contact devices are depth probesand flexible flat surface members.

Depth probes, which may be referred to as “depth electrodes,” penetratedeep into the brain tissue. On the other hand, flexible flat surfacemembers, including what are sometimes referred to as “strip” electrodesand “grid” electrodes, may be placed subdurally in direct contact withbrain tissue at the surface of the brain.

Each of these different kinds of intracranial tissue-engagement membersmay have a plurality of electrodes which are separated from one anotherby a non-conductive material on which the electrodes are mounted.Separate thin insulated lead wires extend from the tissue-engagementmember for each electrode. Such lead wires extend away from thetissue-engagement member to one or more connectors connecting the leadwires with individual conductors, for example, for distributingindividual electrode circuits to monitoring or recording equipment.

Conventional connection systems such as those used with apparatus formonitoring brain tissue are not adapted for selective direct connectionof probes and the like to individual conductors, such as for applyingstimulation signals. Such conventional systems constrain a user, such aswhen it is desired to monitor or stimulate very small signals.Similarly, impedance mismatches can occur when a probe or the like isnot properly placed. In addition, noise may be allowed to intrude as aresult of inefficiencies and poor electrical design of such conventionalsystems, and logistical problems may be created, such as by use ofadapters, extra wiring, etc. In another example, conventional systemsmay require disconnection of one piece of equipment (e.g., EEG) beforebeing able to apply a stimulus to particular conductor(s), or mayrestrict a corresponding stimulation signal magnitude. Further,conventional systems are not adapted for use with magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) concurrently with epileptogenic monitoring. Disconnectionof a first connector and connection of a second connector takes time,and creates the opportunity for error and equipment breakage. Additionalproblems with conventional systems may occur due to extra setup time,extra procedures and their resultant cost, setup complexity andresultant possibility for error such as incorrect hookup, additionalproblems of open circuits and short circuits, etc.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved electricalconnector for brain-contact devices overcoming certain problems of theprior art, including those mentioned above.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electricalconnection system which facilitates various surgical procedures, such asthose related to cortical stimulation, without a need for disconnectingexternal monitoring equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connection system thatfacilitates monitoring of weak signals as well as stimulation usinglarge signals.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system adaptable formulti-dimensional connection between circuits, such as by providingmatrix-type connectivity between different coordinate axes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connection system forelectrical brain-contact devices which may be electrically connectedeasily and quickly during surgical placement and set-up procedures.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical connectorwhich resists breakage of lead wires during insertion of brain-contactdevices.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical connectorwhich provides rapid and accurate electrical hookup of large numbers ofelectrodes and lead wires during surgical procedures.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical connectorfor plural lead wires which is simple in construction and operation.

These and other important objects will be apparent from the descriptionsthat follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a multiple-use connectionsystem includes an elongate body having a first axial tail-receivingpassage and having lengthwise sides, and at least two essentiallyparallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacles, the pin receptaclesbeing transverse to the tail-receiving passage, the pin receptacles ofone of the parallel rows being exposed along one of the lengthwise sidesof the elongate body.

According to another aspect of the invention, a patchbay for selectivelyconnecting pairs of connector pins with ones of a plurality of tailconductors includes an insulating body having an axial passagewayadapted for receiving a tail with the plurality of tail conductors, andhaving pairs of aligned pin receptacles, the pairs of pin receptaclesbeing axially spaced from one another, one pin receptacle of each of thepairs of pin receptacles having an exposed portion adapted for beingdirectly probed, where selective placement of pairs of aligned pins intothe insulating body effects electrical connection of a pair of pins to aselected one of the tail conductors.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includesimplanting an electrode array for electrical monitoring of acorresponding plurality of locations of a brain, the electrode arrayhaving at its distal end a multiconductor, annular ring type tail,inserting the tail into a multiple-use connector body, and connectingpins of a multiconductor cable assembly to respective conductors of thetail, thereby immobilizing the tail within the multiple-use connectorbody, whereby at least two of the connected pins are exposed along aside of the multiple-use connector body.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for selectivelyimplementing monitoring and stimulation of an electrode array includesproviding an implantable electrode array having a plural-contact tail,providing a cable having a plurality of conductors terminating at acorresponding plurality of pins, and providing a connector body havingan axial tail-receiving passage and lengthwise sides, the connector bodybeing adapted for engaging the pins, thereby electrically connectingcontacts of the plural-contact tail with respective conductors of themulticonductor cable via the engaged pins, where the connector body isadapted for selectively probing ones of the plurality of pins withoutdisengaging the pins from the connector body.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of implementing apatchbay includes providing an elongate body having an axialtail-receiving passage and having lengthwise sides, providing at leasttwo essentially parallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacles, alignedpairs of the pin receptacles being transverse to the tail-receivingpassage, the pin receptacles of one of the parallel rows being exposedalong one of the lengthwise sides of the elongate body, and providing asystem for implementing selectable interconnectivity between individualones of the pin receptacles.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includesproviding a connector having an elongate body having a first axialtail-receiving passage and having lengthwise sides, the connector alsohaving at least two essentially parallel rows of axially-spaced pinreceptacles, the pin receptacles being transverse to the tail-receivingpassage, the pin receptacles of one of the parallel rows being exposedalong one of the lengthwise sides of the elongate body, and providing aplug having at least two rows of essentially parallel pins and beingstructured for being inserted into the connector in at least twodifferent ways.

As a result of various implementations of the invention, an improvedelectrical connector for brain-contact devices overcomes certainproblems of the prior art.

The foregoing summary does not limit the invention, which is insteaddefined by the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector and a frontelevational view of a multi-conductor tail for insertion into theconnector, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1together with a plug adapted for insertion into the connector, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an electrode strip that is of a type having amulti-conductor tail adapted for insertion into the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an electrode grid that is of a type having amulti-conductor tail adapted for insertion into the connector of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show different configurations for electrode arrays, suchas dual-sided interhemispheric electrode arrays that is of a type havinga multi-conductor tail adapted for insertion into the connector of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector having three rowsof receptacles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector having side accessports and a port cover strip, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a three-row connector havingside access ports and a port cover strip, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection system thatincludes the three-row connector of FIG. 9, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A is a top view of a connector showing electrical connectionlocations between pin receptacles of the connector and electricalcontact locations of a multi-conductor tail inserted a predetermineddistance into the connector, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention; FIG. 11B is a top view of a feed-through type connectorshowing electrical connection locations between pin receptacles of theconnector and electrical contact locations of a multi-conductor tailinserted into and through a connector, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary bipolar stimulator device that may be usedfor providing an external input to the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of the probe portion of the bipolarstimulator device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a portion of a multi-conductortail adapted for providing a patchbay type interconnectivity when usedin a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-conductor tail according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection system thatincludes a three-row connector having side access ports and a port coverstrip, and that includes a connector having a corresponding three rowsof pins, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a connector showing electrical connectionlocations between pin receptacles of the connector and electricalcontact locations of a multi-conductor tail inserted into the connector,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a connector 10 and a multi-conductor tail 30 for insertioninto connector 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 2 shows connector 10 together with a plug 40 adapted forinsertion into the connector. FIGS. 3–6 show exemplary embodiments ofsubdural strip and grid type electrodes used in surgical procedures andhaving multi-conductor tails with a form similar to that of tail 30.Although not shown, the various embodiments of the invention may alsoeach be used with various other electrodes such as depth electrodes andthe like.

Connector 10 may be formed using a variety of readily available partsand materials, and is preferably formed by a molding or machiningprocess using a polysulfone or polycarbonate resin. A suitable materialis the polycarbonate resin known as LEXAN, available from GeneralElectric, Schenectady, N.Y. Preferably, connector 10 is formed with suchmaterial being substantially transparent. Use of a substantiallytransparent material allows observation of the engagement of maleconnector pins of plug 40 with terminal rings 32 of tail 30. An exampleof such a connection is shown in FIG. 11, described further below.Terminal rings 32 of tail 30 are separated by insulating portions 33 andare preferably sequentially spaced a consistent distance from adjacentterminal rings 32, such spacing preferably being the same as a spacingbetween each adjacent pair 41, 42 of pins of plug 40.

Connector 10 is preferably of unitary construction, being entirely freeof conductive material, and in a preferred embodiment is intended to bediscarded after use. In other embodiments, a connector may be formed toinclude electrical interconnections formed with metal inserts, such asfor connecting selected circuits together as is discussed further below.In addition, connector 10 may be a single block with any number ofreceptacles 17, 18, 19 or, for example, connector 10 may be formed of aplurality of sub-blocks which are attached end-to-end by matingattachment of each adjacent pair of sub-blocks.

A top surface 11 of connector 10 has two rows of vertically-orientedreceptacles, shown by way of example in FIG. 1 as completely-enclosingtype receptacles 18 in a first row and partially-exposed typereceptacles 19 in a second row. As shown, the first row ofvertically-oriented receptacles also includes a keying type receptacle17. Such a keying type receptacle may be formed in many differentconfigurations and is generally intended to insure that pins beingplugged into receptacles 18, 19 are correctly oriented and inserted in adesired receptacle. A keying receptacle and corresponding keying pin ofany of the various embodiments may be of any chosen shape, and mayoptionally be used as an additional electrical pathway that provides anextra conductive connection.

Receptacle type 19 is formed to have an upper semi-circular portion 29created by an inner vertical wall 13 extending from upper surface 11 toa depth-wise lateral surface 23, and is formed to have a lower,completely-enclosed portion 28 below lateral surface 23. Receptacletypes 17, 18 each have vertical shafts 27 that are fully enclosed fortheir entire length. A series of top surface numbers 15 are formed intop surface 11 between laterally opposed pairs of receptacles 18, 19,the receptacles of each of the pairs being aligned laterally with oneanother. A corresponding series of side surface numbers 16 are alignedwith receptacle types 19 along side surface 14. As is discussed furtherbelow, such side surface numbers may be used for placement of probecontacts on a particular set of numbered side access ports and as anindication of corresponding electrode contact to particular terminationpoints of the connector.

Each receptacle type 17, 18, 19 extends vertically as a cylinder intothe body of connector 10, for each receptacle of the two rows ofreceptacles. The receptacles 18, 19 of the two rows are alignedlaterally with one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an entryend 22 of a lengthwise passageway 20 of connector 10 receives end 31 oftail 30. When fully inserted, end 31 reaches distal tail-receiving end21 of lengthwise passageway 20 of connector 10, which may be formedeither as a closed end or as an open end for passing tail 30therethrough. Tail 30 may have any number of conductive bands 32, andmay be of any chosen length. For example, a tail length may depend onlengthwise alignment of conductive bands 32 with respective centers ofadjacent receptacle holes 17, 18, which may necessitate that the lengthbe such that end 31 of tail 30 be a predetermined distance from anadjacent one of conductive bands 32. A single-ended tail-receivingpassageway is sometimes referred to as a “blind hole” type passageway,and may have a fixed length so that when a tail is inserted therein, theend of such tail abuts an endstop of the passageway, which aligns theconductive bands 32 in a desired location. When passageway 20 is apass-through type, the distance between tail end 31 and the adjacentconductive band 31 is not limiting of the just-described lengthwisealignment. As discussed further below, an electrode assembly and itstail may have any number of conductive bands for such a pass-throughconnector.

In another example shown in FIG. 11A, tail 30 is first inserted intoconnector 100 and then pushed all the way in so that conductor bands 91,92, 93, 94 are respectively aligned between corresponding receptaclepairs. When an inserting end 121 of tail 30 has been pushed all the wayinto connector 100, end 121 abuts an endstop 120 of passageway 128,thereby providing the desired alignment. Then, a plug (not shown) isinserted so that its pins 101–109 are inserted into the receptacles.Pins 101–109 are preferably of a type having a cylindrical form withtapered ends and coated with a highly conductive material such as gold,silver, and the like. As shown, pins 101 and 106 each abut an oppositeside of conductor band 91, pins 102 and 107 each abut an opposite sideof conductor band 92, pins 103 and 107 each abut an opposite side ofconductor band 93, pins 104 and 108 each abut an opposite side ofconductor band 94, and keying pin 105 is adjacent a side of tail 30.

In this connected state, tail 30 preferably is prevented from beingpulled out because the snug engagement of each pair of inserted pinswith each corresponding conductor band acts to slightly compress theconductor band and prevent movement of tail 30. In other words, plug 40pins and individual conductors of tail 30 are held in firm engagement bymechanical interference. For example, individual pins of each numberedpair of plug pins may be spaced from each other by a distance less thanthe fixed cross-dimension of the corresponding tail conductor. Thisdimensioning requires forcible spreading of the pins of each pair forengagement with the corresponding conductor band. The forcible spreadingprovides the biasing means for reliable electrical contact andmechanical engagement.

When plug 40 is removed, tail 30 is then able to be removed, installed,or aligned in a desired configuration. When connector 100 is formed of aclear material, a user can visually check to make sure conductor bands91–94 are properly aligned with pins 101–104 and 106–109, which providesassurance of proper connection. As is discussed further below, tail 30may be inserted so that its conductive bands 91–94 are aligned inselected locations. As a result, placement of tail 30 in any of severallocations can effect a “patchbay” type structure where, for example, anexternal circuit corresponding to a numbered pin location 15 can beselectively connected to a particular conductor of tail 30. Numbers (notshown) or colors may be formed on tail 30 adjacent the individualconductors for identifying, documenting, and effecting a desired “patch”of circuits. However, when a selectable patch is not a desired option, anominal configuration may simply be designed for fully inserting tail 30and where for respective inner and outer pins 41, 42 to be inserted intocorresponding receptacles 24, 25 of a first position numbered “1,” akeying pin 47 to be inserted into keying receptacle 17, and a distal end21 to be closed so that tail 30 has its conductive rings 32 alignedproperly when tail 30 is fully inserted.

In another example shown in FIG. 11B, a connector 200 is a pass-throughtype, so that tail 210 may be fed, for a given patch, to align a chosenconductor ring 32 with a selected pin location. In the illustratedexample, by passing tail end 211 a chosen distance past distal connectorend 21, an unlimited linear travel of tail 210 is allowed with respectto connector 200. In a different patch, a desired alignment may requiretail end 211 to be positioned within the body of connector 200. In thismanner, an indefinite number of conductors 32 and/or a variety of taillengths may be used. For example, in the event that an electrode arrayfor a particular surgical procedure is out-of-stock and an array havinga larger number of electrodes and a corresponding larger number ofconductive bands is being used as a replacement, the pass-throughconnector 200 allows a user to align the chosen conductor bands 32 in adesired location to obtain the desired patch, without being concernedwith a connector having an endstop.

A variety of conductive materials may be used for lead-wire terminalrings 32, as would be well known to those skilled in the art. Lead-wires(not shown) are preferably stainless steel, platinum, or silver strandswhich are insulated by a teflon coating layer. The relative safety ofsubdural strip electrodes lies in the fact that, unlike depthelectrodes, they are not invasive of brain tissue. By comparison, depthelectrodes are narrow, typically cylindrical dielectric structures withcontact bands spaced along their lengths. Depth electrodes are insertedinto the brain in order to establish good electrical contact withdifferent portions of the brain. Subdural strip electrodes, on the otherhand, are flat strips supporting contacts spaced along their lengths.Such strip electrodes are inserted between the dura and the brain, alongthe surface of and in contact with the brain, but not within the brain.

FIG. 3 shows a subdural electrode strip 70 and FIGS. 4–6 show examplesof subdural grid electrodes. For example, subdural electrode strip 70may be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,262, granted to Putz et al.and herein incorporated by reference. The dielectric material used insuch subdural electrodes is a flexible, medically-acceptable materialsuch as silicone. Flexible sheet material 75, 85 is preferably adielectric silicone sheet material such as medical grade silicone.Related structure such as tubular sheathing may also be formed ofmedical grade silicone or of a medical grade polyurethane. A variety ofother suitable non-conductive materials may be used in forming anelectrode array and tail(s). Subdural strip electrode assembly 70 has anelongated flexible dielectric strip 71 within which a plurality ofspaced aligned flat contacts 72 and their lead wires are enclosed andsupported in place, sandwiched between front and back layers of materialforming the dielectric strip 71. Each flat contact 72 has a face or maincontact surface which is exposed by an opening in the front layer of thedielectric strip. Contacts may be formed of material such as gold orplatinum though, as is recognized in the art, any conductivecorrosion-resistant and non-toxic material may be used.

Electrode strip 70 has a tail portion formed of a small-diameter,elongate, cylindrical, flaccid, flexible, electrically insulatingmaterial such as a silicone material or a polyurethane as the tail body73. The body 73 has collar-like, tubular electric contacts 74 closelyfitted around its outside surface. Each contact 74 is permanentlyattached to a separate insulated wire (not shown) that extends from thecontact 74 through the body 73 to the respective electrode 72. Theelectrodes 72 may be formed of platinum, stainless steel, or otherappropriate conductive material. Spacing between adjacent electrodes 72(i.e., center-contact to center-contact) may be chosen in general in arange from about 2 to 15 mm. For example, a standard 10 mm spacing D1between adjacent electrodes 72 may be adequate or, alternatively, aparticular spacing between adjacent electrodes 72 may be customized fora particular application such as for different size cortex or fordifferent resectioning operations, etc. Similarly, a diameter ofindividual electrodes 72 may be chosen in a range from about 0.5 to 10mm. A 4–6 mm size with a corresponding 2–4 mm of exposure is typical.Subdural electrode strip 70 is characterized in that it providesadvantages by being transparent, thin, flexible, and available in avariety of different sizes. Tails 73 of electrode strips 70 aretypically either 1.5 mm or 2 mm in diameter. The latter may be used instandard DIN type connectors.

FIG. 4 shows a subdural electrode grid 80 formed as an array ofelectrodes 82. In this example, a four by five grid is chosen, but thearrangement and number of electrodes 82 in a grid 80 may be chosen for aparticular application. For example, various subdural electrode gridsare available from Ad-Tech Medical Instrument Corporation of Racine,Wis. A number of tails 83 depends on the electrode configuration. Here,subdural electrode grid 80 has two tails 83 of ten contacts 84 each.Contact spacings D2, D3, respectively for columns and rows of contacts84, are typically each 10 mm, but any suitable array spacings may beused. Individual electrode discs 82 may be physically numbered forassisting the physician intraoperatively. An electrode grid may beformed in any configuration including three-dimensional. For example, athree-dimensional grid may be formed by using two or more individualelectrode strips 70 or electrode grids 80, or may be a unitarystructure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively show dual-sided interhemispheric electrodearrays 78, 79 that are specially adapted, for example, for placement ina fissure of the brain. Such electrode placement may be utilized withthe present invention. Electrode arrays 78, 79 are formed of twoindividual electrode arrays paired uniformly together back-to-back.Electrode arrays 78, 79, for example, may be approximately 1.0 mm thick,with electrode contacts 4.0 mm in diameter having 2.3 mm exposures.Contact spacing D4 is typically 10 mm, although any desired spacing maybe used. The number of contacts may be selected according to differentconfigurations and corresponding array formats. A marker 77 may belocated on one side of the array structure, to assist in operativeprocedures involving, for example, locating or orienting theindividually numbered electrode contacts by their respective referenceto marker 77. Alternatively, a visible numbering system or any otherstructural keying system may be used, for example a keying indicator maybe provided by rounding a portion of the electrode strip.

In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, a connector 60 has afirst row 1 of fully-enclosed type receptacles 52, a second row 2 offully-enclosed type receptacles 53, and an outer row 3 ofpartially-exposed type receptacles 54. Connector 60 thereby accommodatesa given plug having one, two, or three rows of pins. Preferably, eachreceptacle of a group of receptacles 52, 53, 54 are aligned with acorresponding number of a sequence of numbers 65 formed on a top surface61 of connector 60. Keying receptacles 67, 68 are provided to assurethat a plug can only be inserted in one way. As shown, keyingreceptacles 67, 68 are rectangular in shape, whereby keying receptacles67, 68 are not confused with pin receptacles. The row ofpartially-exposed receptacles 54 are formed along a vertical surface 63that extends from top surface 61 down to lateral surface 51. Receptacles54 then preferably extend as fully-enclosed receptacles below surface51. A front surface 64 has numbers 66 aligned with each pin groupposition and with corresponding top surface numbers 65.

In a preferred embodiment, a plug having two rows of pins is mated withconnector 60 in one of two ways. First, the plug may be inserted so thatthe pins of the plug are inserted into rows 52, 53. Second, the plug maybe inserted so that the pins of the plug are inserted into rows 53, 54.Such provides a “dual-use” connection system, discussed further below.

Each receptacle type 52, 53, 54 extends vertically as a cylinder intothe body of connector 60, for each receptacle of the three rows 1, 2, 3of receptacles. In a manner similar to that described above forconnector 10, either one or two tails (not shown) may be inserted intorespective tail passageways 88, 89 via respective openings 58, 59 sothat ring type conductor bands of the tails are aligned withcorresponding receptacle locations. Tail passageway 88 is axiallycentered between the first row 1 and second row 2 of receptacles. Tailpassageway 89 is axially centered between the second row 2 and outer row3 of receptacles. As a result, a tail inserted into tail passageway 88becomes fixed in place by pins subsequently inserted into receptacles ofrows 1 and 2, and a tail inserted into tail passageway 89 becomes fixedin place by pins inserted into receptacles of rows 2 and 3, in a manneras described above for connector 10 and plug 40.

For partially-exposed receptacles 19 of connector 10 and forpartially-exposed receptacles 54 of connector 60, the correspondinginserted plug pins are able to be probed by direct access to the exposedpin(s). For example, an exemplary bipolar type probe 180 is shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, where a probe body 181 is lightweight and adapted forergonomics of use by having an easily gripped non-slip surface, a probecord 182 is secured to probe body 181 with a molded strain relief, aprobe extension 183 provides a somewhat stiff yet lightweight andbendable portion that allows probe 180 to be placed in an optimizedposition such as by being taped temporarily in place during a surgicalprocedure, and where a pair of probe tips 185 are provided at a distalend of probe 180 and preferably spaced apart by a distance essentiallythe same as the spacing between sequential locations of connector 10.Individual probe tips 185 are exposed metal ends extending frominsulation portions 184 that electrically insulate each individualconductor. In addition, shielding (not shown) may be provided in variousportions of probe 180 including appropriate termination of suchshielding, for example at a distal end of probe cable 182 by connectionof such shielding to a body of a connector (not shown).

Probe 180 may be formed in monopolar, tripolar, and various otherconfigurations such as a linear array. An impedance matching circuit orother components (for example a status or indicator light, a noisesuppression circuit, an inline amplifier, an analog-to-digitalconverter, etc.) may be integrated with probe 180 such as by being partof a probe connector or by being located in probe body 181, or such maybe provided as separate components, such as by being integrated in aseparate adapter. In any case, probe tips 185 may be placed into contactwith exposed pins (e.g., pin 42) while plug 40 is inserted intoconnector 10, thereby allowing, for example, continuous monitoring whileproviding stimulation capability. By providing direct connection ofprobe tips 181 with pins 42, an improved electrical connection systemfacilitates various surgical procedures, such as those related tocortical stimulation, without a need for disconnecting externalmonitoring equipment. Such a connection system facilitates monitoring ofweak signals as well as stimulation using large signals. Such aconnection system for electrical brain-contact devices may beelectrically connected easily and quickly during surgical placement andset-up procedures.

FIG. 8 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, where aconnector 130 includes side access holes 124–127 for receiving probetips to be electrically mated with plug pins. As described above forother embodiments, a tail passageway 118 is axially centered between afirst row of pin receptacles 122 and a second row of pin receptacles123. In this case, both rows of pin receptacles are a fully-enclosedtype. A keying receptacle 117 is located along the first row ofreceptacles. A series of sequential numbers 115 are formed on topsurface 111, at positions corresponding to each pair of the alignedpairs of pins 122, 123. Numbers 115 are also aligned with sequentialnumbers 116 formed on front surface 114 at the corresponding positionsof side access holes 124–127. A tail may be inserted, in a mannersimilar to those described above, into tail passageway 118 via anopening 119 formed in side surface 112, whereupon a plug andcorresponding pins may then be inserted into receptacles 122, 123, 117so that pairs of pins secure and are engaged with conductor rings of thetail.

Flexible strip 130 is provided for covering side access holes 124–127when such are not being used. Flexible strip 130 is preferably formed ofsilicone or other resin like material and has cover strip plugs 134,135, 136, 137 formed to project from inner surface 131 for respectivelybeing snugly fit into side access holes 124–127. An outer surface 132 ispreferably flat and may have numbers (not shown) or other markingsformed thereon.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show yet another exemplary embodiment, where three rowsof aligned and fully-enclosed receptacles 152, 153, 154 are providedalong with corresponding side access holes 155–158 respectively aligneddepthwise with each numbered receptacle position 145. Rectangular typekeying receptacles 147, 148 are provided to allow a plug 170 to beinserted in either of two positions, thereby providing a dual-useconnection system. For example, when keying pin 178 is inserted intokeying receptacle 147 of connector 140, as denoted by the insertionlabeled “A,” then, as a result, a first row of pins 173 of plug 170 isinserted into rear receptacle row 152 and a second row of pins 174 isinserted into middle receptacle row 153. This “A” type insertion may beused, for example, when a stimulation probe or similar access to pins174 is not required and it is desired to fully enclose all pins 173,174. One type A scenario is when stimulation probe contacts arepermanently installed into any of access holes 155–158 and it is desiredto isolate pins 173, 174 from those stimulation probe contacts. Anothertype A scenario is when two separate tails have been inserted intorespective ones of passageways 150, 151, and it is desired to place pins173, 174 in contact with the tail inserted in passageway 150. Anothertype A scenario is when it is desired to completely prevent access topins 174 via access holes 155–158. Another type A scenario is when it isdesired to use receptacles 154 and/or access holes 155–158 for analternate purpose such as for installation of an internal jumper (notshown), a capacitance, additional connection point(s) for monitoring,signal conditioning such as impedance matching structure, etc. Variousother scenarios may be envisioned for the type A plug insertion usage.

When keying pin 178 is inserted into keying receptacle 148 of connector140, as denoted by the insertion labeled “B,” then, as a result, thefirst row of pins 173 of plug 170 is inserted into middle receptacle row153 and the second row of pins 174 is inserted into front receptacle row154. This “B” type insertion may be used, for example, when it isdesired to provide stimulation probe access to pins 174 via access holes155–158. Another type B scenario is when two tails have been insertedinto respective ones of passageways 150, 151 and it is desired toconnect ones of pins 173, 174 to the tail inserted in passageway 151.Various other scenarios may be envisioned for the type B plug insertionusage. By providing a connection system where a plug 170 may be insertedin one of two alternative orientations, a dual-use connection system isthereby implemented. In addition, a multiple-use connection system maybe implemented to include third, fourth, and more usages, such as byproviding additional rows of pin receptacles, by providing more than onekeying location per receptacle row, by providing keying receptacles atopposite ends of a connector for additional insertion orientations, etc.

As shown, a first tail passageway 150 is axially centered between a rearrow of receptacles 152 and a middle row of receptacles 153, so that whena tail has been inserted into tail passageway 150, pins 173, 174respectively inserted into the rear and middle rows act to slightlycompress corresponding conductive rings 32 of the tail and therebysecurely hold the tail in place. In a like manner, a second tailpassageway 151 is axially centered between the middle row of receptacles153 and a front row of receptacles 154, so that when a given first orsecond tail has been inserted into tail passageway 151, pins 173, 174respectively inserted into the middle and front rows act to slightlycompress corresponding conductive rings 32 of the second tail andthereby securely hold the second tail in place. It is understood that asingle tail may be inserted into either of passageways 150, 151 andthat, alternatively, two separate tails may be individually insertedinto passageways 150, 151, depending on a particular application.

Preferably, receptacles 152–154 and side access holes 155–158 arealigned with one another and with numbers 145 sequentially arrangedalong the rows of the top surface 141 and with the numbers 146sequentially arranged adjacent side access holes 155–158 along the frontsurface 144. Numbers 145, 146 may be printed-on, painted, molded intothe body of connector 140, or formed in any suitable manner.

Flexible strip 160 is provided for covering side access holes 155–158when such are not being used. Flexible strip 160 is preferably formed ofsilicone or other resin like material and has cover strip plugs 165,166, 167, 168 formed to project from inner surface 161 for respectivelybeing snugly fit into side access holes 155–158. An outer surface 162 ispreferably flat and may have numbers (not shown) or other markingsformed thereon.

Plug 170 has a top surface 171 that may provide electrical access topins 172–174 and 178, 179, such as for electrically and physicallyconnecting a cable (not shown) to plug 170 and its pins. For example,such a cable may be a ribbon type cable secured to top surface 171 withepoxy or provided with a ribbon-to-pin adapter, etc. A front surface 177of plug 170 may be dimensioned to be flush with front surface 144 ofconnector 140 when plug 170 is inserted in a type B insertion. As shown,a rear row of essentially cylindrical pins 173, and a front row of pins174 are dimensioned to align linearly (shown depthwise) with one anotherand are spaced apart (axially with respect to the tail passageways) asame distance as the sequential positions of the corresponding rows ofreceptacles 152–154. In addition, rectangular keying pin 178 ispositioned to align with corresponding receptacles 147, 148 for the A orB positions, respectively. As a result, the pins of plug 170 aredimensionally aligned with the receptacles of connector 140, so thatplug 170 is easily inserted into connector 140.

When one or more tail(s) have been inserted into connector 140 and, whenconnector 140 is formed of a clear material and the location(s) of theinserted tail(s) is visually verified to be correct, a subsequentinsertion of plug 170 acts to lock the tail(s) in place and to provideelectrical connection between conductor rings 32 spaced along the giventail with corresponding pins or groups of pins of plug 170 having a samespacing. As shown, front row receptacles 154 each have a cylindricalshaft 149 that is adjacent a corresponding one of front access holes155–158 to provide exposed access to pins 174. Front access holes155–158 preferably are tapered or similarly dimensioned so that probetips 185 and the like are snugly held in place while providingelectrical contact between probe tip(s) 185 and corresponding ones ofpins 174 of the front row of pins. Various structure may be used forassisting such electrical contact, for example by using spring-loadedcontacts in probe tips 185, by maintaining an urging force of probetip(s) 185 against a corresponding pin 174, and/or by other methods.Additional structure such as gaskets may be inserted into front accessholes 155–158 and/or a clamp (not shown) may be used for securing probe180 to connector 140 in a manner that assures stable and secure probecontact when desired. For example, a clip (not shown) may attach to agroove in the underside of connector 140 and to a groove (not shown) ontop surface 171 of plug 170 or in another appropriate location. It isalso understood that a quick, temporary probe contact may be desirableand, in such a case, an urging structure is unnecessary.

Although the exemplary connection systems are shown as having fourlengthwise connection positions, a connector may be formed with anynumber of pin receptacles in a given row, with any number of receptaclerows, with adjacent receptacle rows having receptacles that are aligneddepthwise in a line, that are arranged to have an offset type patternbetween adjacent rows, that are arranged in a random type pattern, etc.Similarly, a given plug may be formed with various numbers of pins inconfigurations having rows or in other pin patterns.

In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that is adaptablefor multi-dimensional connection between circuits, such as by providingmatrix-type connectivity between different coordinate axes. For example,FIG. 14 shows a tail 190 having a bridging band 193 that, when insertedinto a connector such as connector 140, acts to provide an electricalconnection or short between successive positions. In one example,bridging band 193 connects a pin 174 at position “2” to a pin 174 atposition “3.” In this manner, pins 173 at locations “2” and “3” are alsoelectrically shorted to the same electrical point, and circuitsconnected to these pins 174, 173 are thereby electrically connected atthe shorting point. A given tail 190 may have single-position conductorbands 192 or bridging bands 193 in any desired combination withinsulating sections 191 being used for electrically separatingconductive portions therebetween.

In a further example of implementing a patchbay type of connectionsystem, FIG. 15 shows a cross section of a multi-conductor tail 230having a conductor band 232 that only extends around a portion of thecircumference of tail 230. The remaining portion of the circumference(at a given conductor location) includes an insulating section 233. Aninner portion 234 forms a core of tail 230 and may be formed of a sameinsulating material as insulating section 233 or of a differentinsulating material. A lead wire 236 is electrically connected toconductor band 232 and may itself be further insulated for at least aportion of its length as it passes through the length (not shown) oftail 230 and to eventual termination, for example, at an electrode. Inorder for conductor 232 to be properly aligned with a correspondingsingle pin of a set of pins 172, 173, 174, a key 235 is provided forinsertion into a keying portion (not shown) of a given tail passageway.As a result of using a tail portion 230, individual pins may beconnected to conductor 232 and corresponding lead wire 236, whereas, bycomparison, at least two or three pins of a pin set are connected when,for example, a tail 30 is used.

It can be seen that the bridging conductive band 193 of FIG. 14 providesa matrix or patchbay type of connection option in the so-called“X-axis,” and the partial conductive ring 232 of FIG. 15 provides apatchbay connection option in the “Z-axis.” A “Y-axis” patchbay optionmay also be implemented, such as by using tail passageways that arealigned vertically while also being centered between pins of asequential pin location. In such a case, an upper tail may have acircular conductive band 32, a partial conductive band 232, a bridgingband 193, or an insulating spacer 191 at a given location, while a lowertail may have a different one of these optional tail members at itslocation with a same “X” coordinate and a different “Y” coordinate. Bymixing and matching the three-dimensional connection options, a desiredinterconnectivity may be easily implemented. For example, a color-coded,numbered, and or kitted set of connection components may be baggedtogether for a particular surgical procedure and corresponding equipmentsetup. Such predetermined interconnectivity helps eliminate a use ofadapters and the like, and resultant likelihood of error, equipmentbreakage, etc.

FIG. 16 shows yet another exemplary embodiment, where the connector 140of FIG. 9 is used with a three-row plug 270 to assure that plug 270 canonly be inserted in a single correct orientation and for providingadditional connection possibilities. In addition, the dual tailpassageways 150, 151 may be used for receiving two separate tails. Sincefirst tail passageway 150 is axially centered between rear row ofreceptacles 152 and middle row of receptacles 153, when a tail has beeninserted into first tail passageway 150, pins 272, 273 respectivelyinserted into the rear and middle rows act to slightly compresscorresponding conductive rings 32 of the tail and thereby securely holdthe tail in place. In a like manner, since second tail passageway 151 isaxially centered between middle row of receptacles 153 and front row ofreceptacles 154, when a second tail has been inserted into tailpassageway 151, pins 273, 274 respectively inserted into the middle andfront rows act to slightly compress corresponding conductive rings 32 ofthe second tail and thereby securely hold the second tail in place.

Plug 270 has a top surface 271 that may provide electrical access topins 272–274 and 198, such as for electrically and physically connectinga cable (not shown) to plug 270 and its pins, in a manner similar tothat used for connecting a cable to plug 170, described above. A frontsurface 277 of plug 270 may be dimensioned to be flush with frontsurface 144 of connector 140 when plug 270 is inserted. As shown, a rearrow of essentially cylindrical pins 272, a middle row of pins 273, and afront row of pins 274 are dimensioned to align linearly (showndepthwise) with one another and are spaced apart (axially with respectto the tail passageways) a same distance as the sequential positions ofthe corresponding rows of receptacles 152–154. In addition, rectangularkeying pin 198 is positioned to align with corresponding receptacle 148.As a result, the pins of plug 270 are dimensionally aligned with thereceptacles of connector 140, so that plug 270 is easily inserted intoconnector 140.

When one or more tail(s) have been inserted into connector 140 and, whenconnector 140 is formed of a clear material and the location(s) of theinserted tail(s) is verified to be correct, a subsequent insertion ofplug 270 acts to lock the tail(s) in place and to provide electricalconnection between conductor rings 32 spaced along the given tail withcorresponding pins or groups of pins of plug 270 having a same spacing.As shown, front row receptacles 154 each have a cylindrical shaft 149that is adjacent a corresponding one of front access holes 155–158 toprovide exposed access to pins 274.

Plug 270, when used with customized structures such as patchbay typetail 190, keyed tail 230, and others, allows a user to access, forexample, certain ones of pins 272, 273, 274 in combination with othersof the pins and/or conductive tail bands, thereby providing adaptablestructure for implementing any desired connection patch. For example, byremoving selected ones of pins 272, 273, 274, by connecting a portion ofa conductive tail band to only a single pin, by using a bridging typeconductive band 193, and by any other connection scheme and associatedstructure, a three-dimensional customized patch may be effected forconnecting any chosen points of a three-dimensional array.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a connector 260 having akeying receptacle hole 261 at a same end of connector 260 as apassageway entry hole 263. Pin receptacle holes 265 are on the distalside of keying receptacle with respect to keying adapter 261. Connector260 is adapted for inserting a tail 30 into a passageway 264 viapassageway entry hole 263 and then pushed all the way to endstop 262. Asa result of implementing a connection system using connector 260, any ofseveral additional scenarios may be accommodated. For example, a cable(not shown) may be attached to plug 40 to feed plug 40 from a directionthat passes keying pin 47. In such a case, it may be desirable to bundleor tie-together the cable with a tail 30 to be inserted into connector260. In such a case, a wire tie may be used to harness tail 30 togetherwith the cable so that the harness only approaches connector 260 from asingle direction. In another scenario, the pins from a given plug 40 maybe patched to a different set of circuits by simply exchanging connector260 for a connector 10 (e.g., FIG. 2), whereby the conductive bands 32of tail 30 are connected to different ones of the pins of plug 40 as aresult of the reversal in orientation between plug 40 and tail 30effected by the exchange of connectors.

As a result of implementing some of the disclosed embodiments, anelectrical connector is provided that resists breakage of lead wiresduring insertion of brain-contact devices, that may be implemented toprovide rapid and accurate electrical hookup of large numbers ofelectrodes and lead wires during surgical procedures, and that allowselectrical connection of plural lead wires in a manner which is simplein construction and operation.

In various other options, a given connector may be implemented as aunitary device or as a plurality of sub-blocks as components of thewhole. It may be advantageous to implement such a segmented system, forexample, when it is desired to change connectivity for selected patches,to feed additional circuits, etc., and for allowing a connector to besized to accommodate any number of lead-wire terminals and individualconductors. Finger-grip protrusions (not shown) may be included tofacilitate detachment of a connector from the conductors and/or plugsused therewith, and also aid in detachment of one sub-block fromanother.

While the principles of the invention have been shown and described inconnection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are by way of example and are not limiting. Consequently,variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, andwith the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scopeof the present invention. The embodiments described herein are intendedto illustrate best modes known of practicing the invention and to enableothers skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplication(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended thatthe appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments tothe extent permitted by the prior art.

1. A multiple-use connection system, comprising: an elongate body,having a lengthwise top surface, having first and second lengthwise sidesurfaces respectively adjoining opposite lengthwise sides of thelengthwise top surface, and having a first lengthwise tail-receivingpassage for receiving a tail having a plurality of annular conductorsaxially-spaced along a circumference of the tail; and first and secondrows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces extending from thelengthwise top surface into the elongate body, each pin receptacle spacehaving a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of thefirst lengthwise tail-receiving passage, each pin receptacle spaceintersecting the first lengthwise tail-receiving passage; and aplurality of individual access holes formed in the first lengthwise sidesurface and laterally connecting respective ones of the first row of pinreceptacle spaces with a space external to the elongate body.
 2. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 1, wherein respective adjacentspaces of the first and second rows of axially-spaced pin receptaclespaces are laterally aligned with one another as individual pinreceptacle space pairs.
 3. The multiple-use connection system of claim1, wherein the first axial tail-receiving passage is centered betweenthe first and second rows of pin receptacle spaces.
 4. The multiple-useconnection system of claim 1, further comprising: the tail, the axialspacing of the plurality of annular conductors being in registrationwith axial spacing of the first and second rows of axially-spaced pinreceptacle spaces when the tail is inserted into the first lengthwisetail-receiving passage; and a plug having at least two rows of pinsaxially spaced in correspondence with the plurality of annularconductors, wherein, when the tail and plug are both inserted/pluggedinto the elongate body, laterally-adjacent pins positioned in respectiveones of the first and second rows of axially-spaced pin receptaclespaces form pin pairs in contact with respective ones of the annularcontacts at opposite sides thereof.
 5. The multiple-use connectionsystem of claim 4, wherein the elongate body further includes anunpaired pin receptacle space aligned with one of the rows ofaxially-spaced pin receptacle spaces, wherein the plug includes anunpaired pin so that the unpaired pin and unpaired pin receptacle spaceeffect keying of the plug and elongate housing to one another.
 6. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 1, wherein the elongate bodycomprises at least three essentially parallel rows of axially-spaced pinreceptacle spaces.
 7. The multiple-use connection system of claim 6,wherein the elongate body further comprises a second axialtail-receiving passage, the first and second axial tail-receivingpassages respectively being centered between adjacent ones of theparallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces.
 8. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of plugs dimensioned for covering the plurality of individualaccess holes when not in use.
 9. The multiple-use connection system ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of plugs are attached to one another as astrip of plugs.
 10. The multiple-use connection system of claim 1,further comprising a plug having two rows of pins in registration withspaces of the first and second rows of axially-spaced pin receptaclespaces, so that the pins extend into respective ones of the spaces tointersect the first lengthwise tail-receiving passage when the plug isplugged into the elongate body.
 11. The multiple-use connection systemof claim 10, further comprising the tail, wherein when the tail is firstinserted into the first lengthwise tail-receiving passage, a subsequentplugging-in of the plug into the elongate body causes at least some ofthe pins of the plug to snugly engage respective ones of the annularconductors.
 12. The multiple-use connection system of claim 11, whereinthe system is structured so that the plugging-in of the plug into theelongate body effects a locking in place of the tail.
 13. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 11, further comprising amulticonductor cable terminating at its first end by connection ofindividual conductors to the pins of the plug, and having a second end.14. The multiple-use connection system of claim 13, wherein themulticonductor cable terminates at its second end as a plurality ofindividual connectors corresponding to the individual conductors. 15.The multiple-use connection system of claim 13, further comprising anelectromagnetic interference (EMI)-resistant hood for electricallyshielding the connection system, wherein the multiconductor cable iselectrically shielded and the EMI-resistant hood is formed of anon-magnetic shielding material.
 16. A multiple-use connection system,comprising: an elongate body having first and second lengthwise topsurfaces stepped with respect to one another, having a first lengthwiseside surface adjoining one lengthwise side of the first lengthwise topsurface, having a second lengthwise side surface effecting a step byadjoining both the other lengthwise side of the first lengthwise topsurface and a one lengthwise side of the second lengthwise top surface,having a third lengthwise side surface adjoining the other lengthwiseside surface of the second lengthwise top surface, and having a firstlengthwise tail-receiving passage adapted for receiving a tail having aplurality of annular conductors axially-spaced along a circumference ofthe tail; first and second rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spacesformed in the elongate body, each pin receptacle space having alongitudinal axis orthogonal to respective planes of the top surfaces,each pin receptacle space intersecting the tail-receiving passage, eachpin receptacle space of the first row of pin receptacle spaces beingdivided by the second lengthwise side surface into a lateral portionbounded by the elongate body and an exposed lateral portion.
 17. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 16, wherein respective adjacentspaces of the first and second rows of axially-spaced pin receptaclespaces are laterally aligned with one another as individual pinreceptacle space pairs.
 18. The multiple-use connection system of claim16, wherein the first axial tail-receiving passage is centered betweenthe first and second rows of pin receptacle spaces.
 19. The multiple-useconnection system of claim 16, further comprising a hinged cover forcovering and uncovering the exposed lateral portions of the first row ofpin receptacle spaces.
 20. The multiple-use connection system of claim16, further comprising: the tail, the axial spacing of the plurality ofannular conductors being in registration with axial spacing of the firstand second rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces when the tail isinserted into the first lengthwise tail-receiving passage; and a plughaving at least two rows of pins axially spaced in correspondence withthe plurality of annular conductors, wherein, when the tail and plug areboth inserted/plugged into the elongate body, laterally-adjacent pinspositioned in respective ones of the first and second rows ofaxially-spaced pin receptacle spaces form pin pairs in contact withrespective ones of the annular contacts at opposite sides thereof. 21.The multiple-use connection system of claim 20, wherein the elongatebody further includes an unpaired pin receptacle space aligned with oneof the rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces, wherein the plugincludes an unpaired pin so that the unpaired pin and unpaired pinreceptacle space effect keying of the plug and elongate housing to oneanother.
 22. The multiple-use connection system of claim 16, wherein theelongate body comprises at least three essentially parallel rows ofaxially-spaced pin receptacle spaces.
 23. The multiple-use connectionsystem of claim 22, wherein the elongate body further comprises a secondaxial tail-receiving passage, the first and second axial tail-receivingpassages respectively being centered between adjacent ones of theparallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces.
 24. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 16, further comprising a plughaving two rows of pins in registration with spaces of the first andsecond rows of axially-spaced pin receptacle spaces, so that the pinsextend into respective ones of the spaces to intersect the firstlengthwise tail-receiving passage when the plug is plugged into theelongate body.
 25. The multiple-use connection system of claim 24,further comprising the tail, wherein when the tail is first insertedinto the first lengthwise tail-receiving passage, a subsequentplugging-in of the plug into the elongate body causes at least some ofthe pins of the plug to snugly engage respective ones of the annularconductors.
 26. The multiple-use connection system of claim 25, whereinthe system is structured so that the plugging-in of the plug into theelongate body effects a locking in place of the tail.
 27. Themultiple-use connection system of claim 25, further comprising amulticonductor cable terminating at its first end by connection ofindividual conductors to the pins of the plug, and having a second end.28. The multiple-use connection system of claim 27, wherein themulticonductor cable terminates at its second end as a plurality ofindividual connectors corresponding to the individual conductors. 29.The multiple-use connection system of claim 27, further comprising anelectromagnetic interference (EMI)-resistant hood for electricallyshielding the connection system, wherein the multiconductor cable iselectrically shielded and the EMI-resistant hood is formed of anon-magnetic shielding material.
 30. A patchbay for selectivelyconnecting pairs of connector pins with ones of a plurality of tailconductors comprising: an insulating body having two lengthwise sidesurfaces, having an axial passageway adapted for receiving a tail withthe plurality of tail conductors, and having pairs of aligned pinreceptacle spaces, the pairs of pin receptacle spaces being axiallyspaced from one another, one pin receptacle of each of the pairs of pinreceptacle spaces having a pin receptacle space exposed along the pinaxis and a pin receptacle space fully enclosed by the insulating body,the exposed pin receptacle spaces being adapted for being directlyprobed along one of the lengthwise side surfaces of the insulating body;the tail; and a plug having at least two rows of conductive pins axiallyspaced in correspondence with the plurality of conductors of the tail,wherein ones of the plurality of tail conductors are selectivelyconnectable to ones of the conductive pins of the plug by at least oneof a first and second structure, the first structure includinginterconnection, within the tail, and the second structure includingprobe being physically connected to the conductive pins.
 31. Thepatchbay of claim 30, wherein the first structure includes annularsegmentation of at least one of the plurality of tail conductors into aconductive portion and an insulated portion, wherein the conductiveportion connects at least two longitudinally-adjacent ones of theconductive pins when the tail and plug are installed in the insulatingbody.
 32. The patchbay of claim 30, wherein axial spacing of theplurality of tail conductors is in registration with axial spacing ofthe pairs of aligned pin receptacle spaces when the tail is insertedinto the axial passageway.